Te Aro Moxon1, Peter Reed2, Timothy Jelleyman3, Philippa Anderson4, Alison Leversha5, Catherine Jackson6, Diana Lennon7. 1. Clinical Research Fellow, Department of Paediatrics, University of Auckland, Auckland. 2. Bio-Statistician, Starship Children's Hospital, Auckland DHB, Auckland. 3. Paediatrician, Waitākere Hospital, Waitematā District Health Board, Auckland. 4. Public Health Physician, Population Health Team, CMDHB, Auckland. 5. Honorary Academic, Department of Paediatrics, University of Auckland, Auckland. 6. Public Health Medicine Specialist, Auckland DHB, Auckland. 7. Professor of Population Child & Youth Health, Paediatrician in Infectious Diseases, Kidz First and Starship Children’s Hospitals, Community Paediatricszzm321990Department of Paediatrics: Child & Youth Health, The University ofzzm321990Auckland, School of Population Health, Private Bag 92019, Auckland 1142
Abstract
AIM: To determine the most accurate data source for acute rheumatic fever (ARF) epidemiology in the Auckland region. METHOD: To assess coverage of the Auckland Regional Rheumatic Fever Register (ARRFR), (1998-2010) for children <15 years and resident in Auckland at the time of illness, register, hospitalisation and notification data were compared. A consistent definition was applied to determine definite and probable cases of ARF using clinical records. (www.heartfoundation.org.nz) RESULTS: Of 559 confirmed (definite and probable) RF cases <15 years (median age 10 years), seven were recurrences. Of 552 first episodes, the ARRFR identified 548 (99%), hospitalisations identified 501 (91%) including four not on the register, and public health notifications identified 384 (70%). Of hospitalisation cases, 33% (245/746), and of notifications 20% (94/478) did not meet the case definition and were therefore excluded. Between 1998-2010, eight cases, initially entered as ARF on the ARRFR, were later removed once further clinical detail was available. CONCLUSION: The ARRFR produced the most accurate information surrounding new cases of ARF (for children <15 years) for the years 1998-2010 in Auckland. This was significantly more accurate than medical officer of health notification and hospitalisation data.
AIM: To determine the most accurate data source for acute rheumatic fever (ARF) epidemiology in the Auckland region. METHOD: To assess coverage of the Auckland Regional Rheumatic Fever Register (ARRFR), (1998-2010) for children <15 years and resident in Auckland at the time of illness, register, hospitalisation and notification data were compared. A consistent definition was applied to determine definite and probable cases of ARF using clinical records. (www.heartfoundation.org.nz) RESULTS: Of 559 confirmed (definite and probable) RF cases <15 years (median age 10 years), seven were recurrences. Of 552 first episodes, the ARRFR identified 548 (99%), hospitalisations identified 501 (91%) including four not on the register, and public health notifications identified 384 (70%). Of hospitalisation cases, 33% (245/746), and of notifications 20% (94/478) did not meet the case definition and were therefore excluded. Between 1998-2010, eight cases, initially entered as ARF on the ARRFR, were later removed once further clinical detail was available. CONCLUSION: The ARRFR produced the most accurate information surrounding new cases of ARF (for children <15 years) for the years 1998-2010 in Auckland. This was significantly more accurate than medical officer of health notification and hospitalisation data.
Authors: Michael G Baker; Jason Gurney; Jane Oliver; Nicole J Moreland; Deborah A Williamson; Nevil Pierse; Nigel Wilson; Tony R Merriman; Teuila Percival; Colleen Murray; Catherine Jackson; Richard Edwards; Lyndie Foster Page; Florina Chan Mow; Angela Chong; Barry Gribben; Diana Lennon Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2019-11-15 Impact factor: 3.390